The US Navy handed over MH-60R multi-role helicopters to the Indian Navy in the presence of Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters flying in the sky
In another sign of strengthening India-US defense partnership, the US Navy has launched the first two MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters (MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters) in the Indian Navy. hand over to The Indian Navy is procuring these 24 helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin from the US government under foreign military sales. The estimated cost of these helicopters is $2.4 billion.
Helicopters were formally handed over to the Indian Navy from the US Navy in a ceremony held on Friday at the Naval Air Station North Island or NAS North Island in San Diego. India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu attended it. Sandhu said the induction of all-weather multi-role helicopters into the fleet is an important step in India-US bilateral defense ties.
Defense trade between India and America is $ 20 billion
The Indian ambassador tweeted, India-US friendship is touching new heights. He said the bilateral defense trade has grown to over $20 billion in the last few years. Apart from defense trade, India and the US are also working together on co-development of defense fora. Sandhu referred to the reforms taken by India in the defense sector in recent times, which have opened up new opportunities for foreign investors.
What is special in MH-60 helicopter and what will be the benefit to the Navy?
MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters is an all-weather helicopter, designed to support multiple missions with the latest technology in aviation. The induction of these MRH will enhance the three dimensional capabilities of the Indian Navy. Helicopters will also be equipped with many specialized equipment and weapons. The first batch of Indian crew is currently undergoing training in the US.
According to the Defense Department, this proposed sale will enhance India’s anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. India will use these capabilities to deal with regional threats and strengthen its country’s defense. The Indian government had approved the purchase of helicopters in February 2020, weeks before the historic visit of former US President Donald Trump.
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